Old Nautical Map of the Caribbean, 1750: Santo Domingo, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos

The "Carte Réduite De L'Isle De Saint Domingue et de ses Débouquements" is a captivating historical artifact, crafted in 1750 by the esteemed Depot de la Marine. This map offers a detailed glimpse into the Caribbean's colonial past, showcasing the intricate political and physical landscapes of the time. The map encompasses the vibrant islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, along with the Turks & Caicos Islands and the Lower Bahamas. It serves as a testament to the era's navigational prowess, with its precise depiction of reefs, harbors, and nautical routes.

Depot de la Marine, the mapmaker, was the official French hydrographic office, renowned for its meticulous creation of nautical charts. This map reflects their expertise, providing essential information for maritime navigation. It was designed to aid vessels of the French crown, highlighting the strategic importance of these Caribbean territories during the 18th century. The map's detailed representation of the islands' mountainous terrains and settlements underscores its value as both a navigational tool and a historical document.

The map vividly portrays the political boundaries and topographical features of the Caribbean islands. The mountainous regions of Hispaniola are particularly striking, illustrating the island's rugged landscape. The political borders are clearly marked, offering insights into the colonial divisions of the time. The inclusion of major settlements such as Santo Domingo, Port-au-Prince, and Santiago de Cuba further enriches the map's historical narrative, providing a window into the bustling urban centers of the colonial Caribbean.

Navigational elements are a prominent feature of this map, with detailed depictions of reefs and harbors essential for safe passage through the Caribbean's treacherous waters. The compass rose elegantly graces the map, serving as a reminder of the era's reliance on celestial navigation. This map not only guided mariners but also played a crucial role in the expansion of European influence in the region, highlighting the strategic importance of these islands in global trade routes.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its navigational utility. It captures a moment in time when the Caribbean was a focal point of colonial ambition and cultural exchange. The map is a valuable resource for historians and collectors alike, offering a tangible connection to the past. Its intricate details and artistry make it a prized addition to any collection, inviting viewers to explore the rich tapestry of history that shaped the modern Caribbean.

Cities and towns on this map

• Hispaniola
• Santo Domingo
• Port-au-Prince

• Cap-Français

• Cuba

• Santiago de Cuba

• Jamaica

• Kingston

• Puerto Rico

• San Juan

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Mountains: The mountainous terrain of Hispaniola is prominently shown.
• Bodies of Water:
• Caribbean Sea
• Atlantic Ocean
• Reefs and Harbors: Detailed depiction of reefs and harbors for navigation.
• Compass Rose: Used for orientation and navigation.

Historical and design context

• Name of the Map: Carte Réduite De L'Isle De Saint Domingue et de ses Débouquements
• Date: 1750
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Depot de la Marine
• Context: Official French hydrographic office responsible for nautical charts.
• Themes:
• Political and Physical Features: Detailed political boundaries and physical features.
• Nautical Information: Includes reefs, harbors, and nautical routes.
• Regions Shown:
• Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos Islands, Lower Bahamas.
• Design/Style:
• Large-scale, detailed chart with emphasis on topographical features and navigational details.
• Historical Significance:
• Reflects colonial interest in the Caribbean during the 18th century.
• Useful for understanding historical navigation and territorial claims.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.